China's Manufacturing Activity Ticks Up in March

A gauge of Chinese manufacturing improved in March in a possible sign of government efforts to reverse an economic slowdown amid a tariff war with Washington might be gaining traction. The statistics bureau and an industry group said Sunday their monthly purchasing managers index rose to 50.5 on a 100-point scale on which numbers above 50 show activity increasing. That was up 1.3 points from February.
Chinese manufacturing declined last year as the fight with President Donald Trump over Beijing's technology ambitions weighed on exports and domestic consumer demand weakened. The government loosened lending controls and increased spending to reverse the slowdown, but authorities moved gradually to avoid igniting a rise in debt. The ruling Communist Party also has promised to give entrepreneurs who generate China's new jobs and wealth a bigger role in the economy.